Seahorse hallmark
Eagle head hallmark 1st title
Eagle head hallmark 3rd title
Eagle head hallmark
Owl hallmark (implemented since 1994)
Scallop hallmark (introduced in 1994)
Three-leaf clover hallmark
Hallmark Minerva head 2nd title
Minerva head hallmark (implemented since 1994)
Swan hallmark (in place since 1919)
Dog's head hallmark 1st title
Dog head hallmark 2nd title
Dog head hallmark 3rd title
Dog head hallmark
Mascaron or bearded man head hallmarkAverage Grades
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A hallmark is a discreet mark left on a piece of jewelry. This mark is struck by a tool that bears the same name.
It is a way to guarantee the precious metal content. And there are several of them which concern Gold, Silver and Platinum.
Each gold, silver or platinum coin can have two hallmarks, located next to each other:
The guarantee hallmarks are affixed manually, or by laser on authorization:
The punches are not always placed in the same place. Sometimes you need a magnifying glass to distinguish them.
Note: if there is no hallmark on your jewelry, it does not mean that it is a fake. Some jewelry is exempt from hallmarks:
It is also possible that you do not see any marks on old or used jewelry. This is because time has taken its toll and wear and tear from skin acidity, friction or sweat can cause the hallmark to disappear.
The most famous and common hallmark is the eagle head. But there is not only one hallmark for gold, there are several depending on the gold content of the jewel.
Note: for white gold, the hallmarks are the same as for yellow gold.
| 24K | It concerns pure gold, present on ingots. Its use is very rare on jewelry because it is too soft. Only the office of the guarantee is entitled to affix it. It is sometimes replaced by the number 999. |
| 22K | This is a title mark, it is therefore affixed by the office of guarantee. It concerns only the new pieces, of a weight equal or higher than 3 g. |
| 18K | This is a hallmark of title, it is therefore affixed by the office of guarantee. It concerns only the new pieces. |
| 18K | This is a guarantee hallmark, manufacturers can affix it themselves within the framework of the delegation of hallmarks. It is the most common for new jewelry as used jewelry. It guarantees a French origin. |
| 18K | It guarantees the second-hand jewelry of foreign or uncertain origin. |
| 14K | It concerns the new jewels as of occasion |
| 9K | It concerns the new jewels as of occasion |
For silver, the most famous and most commonly used hallmark is the Head of Minerva. But silver also has several hallmarks, which depend on the silver content of your jewelry.
(in place since 2002) | guaranteed content: 999/1000 | It concerns pure silver, it is particularly visible on ingots. It is very rare on jewelry. |
Minerva head hallmark 1st title (established in 1973) | guaranteed grade: 925/1000 | This is a title hallmark, it is therefore affixed by the office of the guarantee. We can also see the number 925 which indicates that it is Silver 925. |
| guaranteed content: 800/1000 | It is a hallmark of title, it is therefore affixed by the office of the guarantee. |
| guaranteed grade : 800/1000 | It is a guarantee mark, it can be affixed by manufacturers. It is the most common, it concerns new creations as well as second hand provided that they are of French origin. |
| guaranteed grade: 800/1000 | It is used for imported second-hand objects of unknown or uncertain origin. |
There are not only gold and silver, platinum also has different hallmarks. For platinum, the best known and most used is the Dog's Head.
Emperor Penguin hallmark | guaranteed grade: 999/1000 | It concerns pure platinum, it can be seen on the ingots. |
| guaranteed grade: 950/1000 | This is a title mark, it is therefore affixed by the office of guarantee. |
| guaranteed grade : 900/1000 | It is a punch of title, it is thus affixed by the office of the guarantee. |
| grade : 850/1000 | This is a title mark, and is therefore affixed by the warranty office. |
| guaranteed grade: 850/1000 | It is a guarantee hallmark, manufacturers can affix it themselves, following the delegation of certification of precious metals. |
| guaranteed content: 850/1000. | For second-hand jewelry, of French origin or unknown or uncertain origin |
For gold-plated or silver-plated jewelry, the master stamp is a square for works manufactured in France or introduced from a member state of the European Union.
In this square hallmark, there are different inscriptions. Generally, we find the initials of the manufacturer.
For gold plating, there may be for example a number to indicate the thickness of the plating or the weight of gold used, there may also be the letter G for "galvanic gilding".
For silver plating, there is often a number. It indicates the amount of silver that was used to plate the jewelry.
On the other hand, gold plated jewelry as well as silver plated jewelry does not have a guarantee mark.
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